Skip to main content
Sign In

Home Future StudentsCurrent StudentsFaculty & StaffPatientsAlumni

 

Paul Mintken, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

My research is focused on identifying the role of regional interdependence in common musculoskeletal conditions. My main areas of interest revolve around manual therapy techniques, particularly mobilization/manipulation. Areas I am currently investigating include identifying which patients benefit from these interventions (clinical prediction rules), and the role of dysfunction and impairments in distant regions, both extremity and spine, that may affect or contribute to a patient’s primary complaint.

Epidural Steroid Injection versus Epidural Steroid Injection and Physical Therapy in the Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis; a Randomized Clinical Trial.

The primary aim of this research project is to determine if adding manual physical therapy and exercise will improve outcomes in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis receiving epidural steroid injections (Role: Co-Investigator) . Funded by the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA.

Manual Therapy and Exercise versus Home Exercises in the Management of Patients Status Post Ankle Sprain: A Multi-Center Randomized Clinical Trial.

The primary aim of this research project is to determine the effectiveness of manual physical therapy interventions and exercise as compared to a home exercise program for the management of ankle sprains.(Role: Co-Investigator). Funded by the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Products Grant from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, Awarded 2008.

An Evidence-Based Paradigm: Student Perceived Barriers to Learning and Practicing Spinal Manipulation. (John May Primary Investigator).

(Role: Co-Investigator). Funded by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.

Validation of a Clinical Prediction Rule to Identify Patients with Neck Pain Likely to Benefit from Thoracic Spine Thrust Manipulation (Josh Cleland Primary Investigator).

(Role: Co-Investigator). Funded by the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA.

Physical Capability Outcomes after Single-level ProDisc-L Total Disc Replacement or Single level Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: a Multi-Center Clinical Trial.

(Role: Co-Investigator). Funding to be provided by Synthes Spine, Inc.

FUNDER GRANTS

Orthopaedic Section, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Epidural steroid injection versus epidural steroid injection and physical therapy in the management of lumbar spinal stenosis: a randomized clinical trial (2009)
Cleland J (PI), Hammerich A, Mintken P (Co-investigator), Struessel T, Akuthota V, Whitman J.


Bob Doctor Research Grant, Colorado Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Epidural steroid injection versus epidural steroid injection and physical therapy in the management of lumbar spinal stenosis: a randomized clinical trial (2009)
Cleland J (PI), Hammerich A, Mintken P (Co-investigator), Struessel T, Akuthota V, Whitman J.


Cardon Rehabilition Grant from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT).
Development of a clinical prediction rule to identify patients with neck pain likely to benefit from cervical spine manipulation (2008)
Puentedura L (PI), Cleland J (Co-investigator), Mintken P (Co-investigator).


Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Products (OPTP) Grant from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT).
Manual therapy and exercise versus home exercises in the management of patients status post ankle sprain: a multi-center randomized clinical trial (2008)
Cleland J (PI), Mintken P (Co-investigator), Bieniek M, Whitman J, Keirns M.


Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Products (OPTP) Grant from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT).
An evidence-based paradigm: student perceived barriers to learning and practicing spinal manipulation (2007)
Struessel T (PI), Mintken P (Co-investigator), May J, Carpenter K, Sonnenberg E.


RECENT PUBLICATIONS

MacDonald C, Mintken PE. Non-Responsive Chronic Hip Pain in a Patient with Clinical Signs of Osteoarthritis. In review: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. Louw A, Puentedura E, Mintken PE. Neuroscience education for chronic low back pain: a case report. In review: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther.


Burns SA, Mintken PE, Austin GP. Effect of hip mobilizations on chronic low back pain: a case report. In review: Physiother Theory Pract.


Mintken PE, Cleland JA, Whitman JM, George SZ. Psychometric Properties of the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia in Patients with Shoulder Pain. In press: Arch Phys Med Rehabil.


Burns SA, Mintken PE. Sign of the Buttock in a Patient Status Post Total Hip Arthroplasty. In press: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010;40(6). 301-302.


Mintken P, DeRosa C, Little T, Smith B. Guest Editorial: Moving past sleight of hand. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010;40(5). 253-255.


Mintken PE, Cleland JA, Carpenter KJ, Bieniek ML, Keirns M, Whitman JM. Some factors predict successful short-term outcomes in individuals with shoulder pain receiving cervicothoracic manipulation: a single-arm trial. Phys Ther. 2010;90(1): 26-42.


Mintken PE, Glynn P, Cleland JA. Psychometric properties of the shortened disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale in patients with shoulder pain. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2009; Nov-Dec 18(6):920-926.


Carpenter KJ, Mintken PE, Cleland JA. Evaluation of outcomes in patients with neck pain treated with thoracic spine manipulation and exercise: a case series. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy. 2009;37(2):71-80.


Whitman JM, Cleland JA, Mintken P, et al. Predicting short-term response to thrust and non-thrust manipulation and exercise in patients post inversion ankle sprain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39(3):188-200.


Whitman JM, Cleland JA, Mintken P. Clinical prediction rules in physical therapy: coming of age? [Letter to the Editor in Chief]. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39(3):231-232.


Mintken P, Boyles R. Tarsometatarsal joint injury in a patient seen in a direct access physical therapy setting. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39(1):28.


Mintken P, Metrick L, Flynn T. Upper cervical ligament testing in a patient with Os Odontoideum presenting with headaches. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(8):465-475.


Mintken P, DeRosa C, Little T, Smith B. AAOMPT clinical guidelines: A model for standardizing manipulation terminology in physical therapy practice. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(3):A1-6.


Mintken P, DeRosa C, Little T, Smith B. A model for standardizing manipulation terminology in physical therapy practice. J Man Manip Ther. 2008;16(1):50-56.


Mintken PE, Carpenter KJ, Kohrt WM, Eckhoff D, Stevens JE. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to optimize quadriceps muscle function following total knee arthroplasty: a case report. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007;37(7):364-371.


Mintken P. Grandma. Fetishes (a literary journal of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center). 1996;(2):19.


BOOK CHAPTERS

Mintken P, Puentedura E, Louw, A. Neurodynamic interventions and physiological effects: clinical neurodynamics in neck and upper extremity pain. In: Fernández de las Peñas C, Cleland JA, Huijbregts P, eds. Neck and Arm Pain Syndromes: Evidence-Informed Screening, Diagnosis, and Management in Manual Therapy. London: Elsevier. [In press].


Mintken P, Cleland JA. Thoracic spine clinical decision making. In: Sueki D, Brechter J, eds. Orthopedic Rehabilitation Clinical Advisor. Elsevier; 2009.


Puentedura E, Louw A, Mintken P. Neurodynamic interventions for the management of patients with headache. In: Fernández de las Peñas C, Arendt-Nielsen L, Gerwin R, eds. Physical Therapy for Tension Type and Cervicogenic Headache: Physical Examination, Muscle and Joint Management. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett; 2009.


Louw A, Mintken P, Puentedura L. Neuro-physiological effects of neural mobilization maneuvers. In: Fernández de las Peñas C, Arendt-Nielsen L, Gerwin R, eds. Physical Therapy for Tension Type and Cervicogenic Headache: Physical Examination, Muscle and Joint Management. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett; 2009.


OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS

Ankle Sprain?

TThe University of Colorado is participating in a study to determine if patients with an ankle sprain respond better to a home exercise program or a clinic based manual therapy (the therapist moves your joints) and exercise program. You may be eligible to participate in this study if you have had a recent ankle sprain (in the last year); are between 16-60 years of age; speak and read English; and can come to physical therapy up to 8 times in the next 4 weeks.

Do you have lumbar spinal stenosis?

If you have lower back pain and / or leg pain that has been diagnosed as lumbar spinal stenosis, you may be a candidate for a studyto determine the effectiveness of various treatment techniques for spinal stenosis. Individuals with spinal stenosis typically have some lower back pain and symptoms that go into the buttocks, thigh, or lower leg. This study is designed to provide information on factors which may help predict who will respond to non-surgical treatment for spinal stenosis and to compare different forms of testing and treatment for individuals with this condition. Treatments may include epidural steroid injections and physical therapy for up to 12 visits. If interested, contact Kelly Santo at 303-724-4588. See attached flyer.

If you are interested in either one of these studies

please contact Paul Mintken at (303) 881-1569 or via e-mail at paul.mintken@ucdenver.edu

LAB CONTACT INFORMATION 

Primary Research Address:

University of Colorado at Boulder
Wardenburg Health Center
119 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309

 

Phone:

303-492-6280 Office

http://www.colorado.edu/healthcenter/services/clinic_sports.html#msk

 

OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION 

Office Address:

Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy Program - Mailstop C244
Education Building 2 South
13121 E. 17th Avenue Room 3130
Aurora, CO 80045

 

Phone:

303-724-9545 Office

303-724-9016 Fax

Email: Paul.Mintken@ucdenver.edu